Cleveland Cavaliers recall Kevin Jones from D-League

INDEPENDENCE -- Kevin Jones has one asset that's coveted at every level of basketball: He has an uncanny knack for the ball.

He was recalled from the D-League Canton Charge on Tuesday and will be in uniform for the Cavaliers' game against Chicago tonight.

The 6-foot-8, 251-pound Jones was waived by the Cavs on the final roster cuts in late October. He signed with the Charge and dominated the D-League in the first five games for the season. He was third in the league in scoring (23.6 points) and rebounding (12.6), which definitely caught the eye of the Cavs.

"I always kept faith in myself," Jones said. "I knew my time would land me somewhere. I'm just thankful to be in the position I'm in right now."

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When he was cut, the Cavs (4-14) didn't guarantee he'd be back.

"They said just keep on working, opportunities may be there," Jones said. "We're sorry we had to cut you. You did well in camp."

The West Virginia product was undrafted when he signed with the Cavs for training camp. He said he's a little surprised to be back so soon. The Cavs waived forward Luke Harangody to create a roster spot for Jones.

"The Cavs saw something in me they thought they could use, so they signed me," Jones said.

Cavs coach Byron Scott said he wasn't sure if Jones will be inserted into his rotation. But it's not like the other backup power forwards are doing anything. Samardo Samuels has played a combined seven minutes in his last three games, while Jon Leuer and Luke Walton don't get off the bench at all.

Despite what he's saying, don't be shocked if he calls Jones' name in the Chicago game at 8 tonight at Quicken Loans Arena.

"I would like to see him with a couple more practices under his belt," Scott said. "We'll see how he handles everything that's going on. But, like I said, today I was a little surprised that he played as well as he played, so maybe he'll continue to surprise me."

Besides some of the similar plays he ran in Canton, Jones didn't retain much of Scott's offense. He said he'd have to learn on the fly.

"I think he'll pick it up pretty quickly," Scott said. "But even today, not knowing what we're doing, he just has a nose for the ball. He made a couple of nice offensive rebounds and tipped 'em back in. It was just really trying to get him acclimated to what we're doing on both ends of the floor."

Jones was told to accentuate his positives in the D-League.

"They just wanted me to be myself, just continue to do the things I do great, which is rebound and being a good 15-foot shooter," he said.

Quick shots

o Guard Dion Waiters remains questionable for the Bulls game. Both Waiters and Kyrie Irving will probably miss the game. "It's terrifying thinking about playing the Bulls without Kyrie and him," Scott said. "But everybody laces them up the same way."

o The Cavs aren't the only team with their starting backcourt sidelined with injuries. The Bulls will likely be playing without point guard Derrick Rose (left knee surgery) and shooting guard Richard Hamilton (torn left plantar fascia).

o Scott said he expects to make another change to starting lineup. He didn't like how the Pistons jumped out to a 30-17 lead after the first quarter. He'll likely start someone new at shooting guard and leave Alonzo Gee at small forward.

o The Bulls (8-7) are the only team in the Central Division with a winning record.

o The Pistons blocked 13 shots in Monday's game. "That's a lot of blocks, but I think we get our shots blocked more than any team in the NBA," Scott said. "I think they had eight in the first half. It goes back to guys finishing around the basket."

o Some hold the opinion that rookie center Tyler Zeller isn't getting any calls from the officials. "You can send in tapes (to the league office)," Scott said. "He's a rookie. Referees are not going to give us a lot of calls, period. I told our guys that before the season even started. So don't cry about it. Just keep playing."